Greetings!
Here is a quick update on what's going on in the Johnson City District.
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Weikel Projected to be Next DS
Bishop James Swanson recently announced the projected appointment of Rev. Walter Weikel to serve the Johnson City District beginning in June. Rev. Weikel will replace Dr. Randy Frye who has served as the Johnson City District Superintendent since June 2005.
Rev. Weikel grew up in the Tri-Cities as his father, the Rev. Jack Weikel, served churches in Johnson City, Blountville and Greeneville, as well as serving as the Johnson City District Superintendent. He is a graduate of Science Hill High School, Emory and Henry College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Rev. Weikel and his wife, Lisa, have three sons: Jackson, Mark and Sam.
Rev. Weikel has served as senior pastor of Abingdon UMC for six years. His previous appointments include: Beaver Ridge (1999-2006); Trenton (1994-1999); and Tyner, associate (1990-1994).
In a recent article in The Call, Rev. Weikel said he is "excited about getting involved in the relationship the Johnson City District has with the Czech Republic."
"I have gone on several mission projects to Mexico and last summer our church went on a joint mission trip with a team from First Marion UMC," he said. "I've always liked the idea of multiple churches going on trips together. I feel it enhances the experience and allows more options to smaller churches." Rev. Weikel attended a recent orientation meeting for Czech Mission Team volunteers, and hopes to join one of the Johnson City District teams traveling to Czech this year.
When asked by The Call about further plans for his ministry in the Johnson City District, Rev. Weikel stated, "My grandfather, M.C. Weikel, was a district superintendent many years ago. Several people have related to me how much it meant to them that he gave special attention to new pastors and to local pastors. Working with [Abingdon associate pastors Nicole Krewson and Liz Hamilton] has given me a desire to work in small group settings with new pastors and local pastors. I think that fits right in with the conference's focus on small group ministry through 'A Call to Action.'"
The Johnson City Committee on District Superintendency is in the process of planning a "Service of Celebration of Appointment" for Rev. Weikel. This event is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, July 22 and will be held at Wesley Memorial UMC. Please mark this date on your calendar and plan to come show Walter and Lisa a warm Johnson City District welcome.
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Sunday, May 20 4:00 pm Munsey Memorial UMC Christian Life Center
With the appointment of Rev. Walter Weikel to the Johnson City District in June, we must say farewell to Dr. Randy Frye who has served as our District Superintendent for seven years. He will be moving to another district, where he will serve as senior pastor in a local church. The Committee on District Superintendency invites you to join us in celebrating Dr. Frye's ministry in the Johnson City District on Sunday, May 20, 4:00 pm at Munsey Memorial's Christian Life Center. We will have worship led by Bishop Richard Looney, with special guests "Steps of Grace" and "Men of Praise". Following the worship service will be a time of fellowship and refreshments. During his time with us, Dr. Frye has encouraged the churches of the Johnson City District to participate actively in both local and global missions. At his request, we will use this event as an opportunity to fulfill a request from Maria Humbane who directs Ishe Anesu, an after-school ministry for poor and orphaned children in Zimbabwe. The kitchen at Ishe Anesu is in need of items such as plates, cups, serving spoons and cooking pots. We will take up an offering during the celebration of Dr. Frye's ministry, in order to assist Maria in purchasing these necessary items. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us in honoring Randy's service to the Johnson City District.
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A Call to Prayer
Sunday, April 15
4:00 pm
Wesley Memorial UMC
Holston Conference has designated April 15, 2012 as a Day of Prayer for Vital Congregations. On this date each of Holston's twelve districts will hold simultaneous prayer services to "pray for our work on the Call to Action, for General Conference, and for our own Annual Conference," according to Dean of the Cabinet Rev. David Graves.
Graves was quoted in an article in the February 15 issue of The Call as saying, "We believe that every church in Holston is a vital congregation, and we want to come together to pray. We've talked about how bad things are. Now we want to focus on the 'Bright Spots,'"
The Johnson City District will gather at 4:00 pm at Wesley Memorial UMC. Dr. Randy Frye will preach.
All Johnson City District churches are asked to mark this event on their calendars, and to encourage participation.
Holston Conference has provided us with bulletin inserts to promote this event. All pastors are encouraged to download one of the inserts below and include in your bulletins the next two weeks.
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District Youth Event ~ 80's Night/CCYM Elections
Sunday, April 29
6:00 - 8:00 pm
First UMC, Johnson City
Join other youth from across the Johnson City District to eat, worship, play games, win prizes and vote for your Conference Council on Youth Ministries representatives. The theme for this event is the 80s. Everyone is encouraged to interpret that theme as creatively as possible.
- The 1980's,
- The 1880's,
- People in their 80s.
- Maybe you want to wear 80 t-shirts!
- Maybe you want to bring 80 friends!
- Use your imagination!
Youth interested in running for CCYM must turn in a nomination form by April 22.
How elections work:
- Each church with at least 3 youth present gets 3 votes (if only 1 or 2 youth come, they get 1 or 2 votes accordingly)
- The two Reps must come from different churches (unless all those running are from same church)
- Third place vote getter is the Alternate
- Youth running for CCYM, will get to introduce themselves and make a brief statement as to why they want to be on CCYM, and/or why others should want them to be on CCYM.
NOTE: All youth in Holston Conference are welcome at CCYM meetings, they can participate in many ways, even if they are not the elected representative for their church, so all who run will be encouraged to still participate
For more information contact Gary Ihfe by email or at 282-6722.
Download Flyer
Download Nomination Form
Download CCYM Meeting Schedule
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Saturday, May 19 Buffalo Valley Golf Course Unicoi, Tennessee
This year's tournament will feature two shotgun starts! If you are a morning golfer, registration begins at 7:00 am and the morning round starts at 8:00 am. If you prefer to sleep in and play in the afternoon, registration begins at 1:00 pm with the shotgun start at 2:00 pm.
All golfers are invited to enjoy a barbeque lunch at noon.
Entry fee is $50 per golfer. All proceeds go to support Czech mission teams and the new English Speaking United Methodist Church in Prague.
For more information, contact Kellie Bracken or the district office.
Download Flyer Download Sponsorship Info
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3 & 4 Year Old Preschool Openings!
Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
A Nationally Accredited, Three-Star Rated Christian Preschool Program
"We are Christ-centered, child focused, and have low staff to child ratios in our classrooms"
If you are interested in enrolling your child, please call 483-4869 between the hours of 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Hours of school day: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm
Extended morning and afternoon hours available
Ages served: 2 years through 5 years, not in Kindergarten
Follow Johnson City School Schedule
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Graves For Bishop Website Now Online Learn more about Holston's Episcopal Nominee
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Hands to Service, Hearts to God
The Cherokee UMC Annual Quilt Show is approaching! Join in on April 13 and 14 as vendors offer a variety of goods and crafts, beautiful
quilts are displayed, and a delicious Tea Lunch is served from Ms. Bonnie's Tea Room. Meals are available for delivery on
Thursday, April 12 or dine in on Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14. Carry-out meals are also available all three days. Visit
our website at www.cherokeechurch.com to register to volun- teer at this event. Contact Judith Robertson at 423-431-8822 or
Nancy Hathaway at 423-773-8574 with questions.
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2012 Hands-On Mission Project
After several years of putting together school kits for the conference sponsored Hands-On Mission Project, the Johnson City District has a new project in 2012 - Food Buckets. Filled with some basic kitchen staples, these 5 gallon buckets will be shipped to orphanages in Liberia.
The completed buckets will be collected at the District Office June 4-7, 2012.
Download the Packing List
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Upcoming Events
Limestone UMC Palm Sunday Luncheon Sunday, April 1 Limestone UMC
Good Friday - District and Conference Offices Closed Friday, April 6
Friday Night Supper Friday, April 13 6:00 to 7:30 pm Fairview UMC
Confirmation Day with the Bishop Saturday, April 14 First UMC, Maryville Learn More
Call to Action Service of Prayer
Sunday, April 15
4:00 pm
Wesley Memorial UMC
District Clergy Meeting
Tuesday, April 17
10:00 am and 6:30 pm
Cherokee UMC
Saturday Breakfast
Saturday, April 21
8:00 to 10:30 am
Fairview UMC
Call to Action with Zan Holmes
Sunday, April 22 - Monday, April 23
First UMC, Morristown and First UMC, Jefferson City
District Clergy Meeting
Tuesday, May 15
10:00 am and 6:30 pm
Cherokee UMC
Pre-Conference Briefing
Wednesday, May 23 7:00 pm Gray UMC
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Eco-Tip
Food: In our ever-expanding global economy, goods are often produced without the environment or workers in mind. Your dollar is your vote; vote for fair wages and a healthier
environment by choosing products that are Fair Trade Certified.
This certification ensures that the workers making the products were given a fair
wage, and that the item was crafted sustainably. Look for Fair Trade coffee, chocolate, teas and other artisan products.
Learn more
Eco-tip provided by GreenFaith and Holston Conference Creation Care Team
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